Notice the good. There is a lot of scary, negative and overwhelming information to take in regarding this pandemic. There are also a ton of stories of people sacrificing, donating and supporting one another in miraculous says. It is important to counterbalance the heavy information with the hopeful information. See our Messages of Hope for inspiration.

Laughter is good medicine. There is a lot to be worried about. Counterbalance this heaviness with something funny each day: cat videos on YouTube, a Stand-Up comedy show, holding a goofiest dancer contest in your kitchen.

Ask for help. When we acknowledge and seek help with problems, we reject stigma associated with imperfection and we get the help we all sometimes need. When we reach our limits and reach out to others, we model that strong people seek support and guidance.

Screen Free Time. Designate zone in the house where no screens are allowed and/or designate specific screen-free times (including phones). Everyone is dependent on our screens these days and we are using them out of necessity in much greater quantities than ever. Take a conscious break from our devices, and just connect with family members without distraction.

Celebrate! Co-create fun celebrations with your kids. Think of reasons to have a “party.” In some cases, it might be a naturally occurring birthday or anniversary…but in other cases, it might be something that you and your child(ren) “invent.” Cook something special together, decorate, dress up, and turn on the enthusiasm. Take a video or photos of the event to look back on.

Encourage new learning. It is a great time to expand upon one’s interests. Provide opportunities to deepen learning and ignite curiosity. Slow it down and enjoy moments of discovery.

Pay more attention to feelings. During this time, we are all coping with challenging feelings and emotions. It is important for us and our kids to learn to explore their own emotions and then learn to manage them. Sadness and grief may cause a child to need a little space to reflect on and process their feelings so that balance can be found again. Exploration of feelings, through asking questions and reflective listening as opposed to judgment or brushing them aside is key.

Talk about Fears. Vermonters have been staying home and staying safe for a long time. While many children are eager to see their friends and return to their regular activities, the transition can still be difficult. Here is how you can help.

i. Take stock of your own feelings to help separate your emotions from theirs. Your own anxiety might influence how you perceive your child and could influence their own level of fear.

ii. Talk about it. This can help children feel better and will give you a better idea of the many reason your child might be hesitant.

iii. Take things in small steps. If your child is nervous about returning to a childcare center, consider a visit (if possible) before opening day, or planning a “warm hand-off” with someone your child can meet beforehand.

Neighbors on Garfield Street in Bristol are singing together from their porches on Sunday afternoons.

Middlebury Residents are writing inspiring haikus on the sidewalks in town.

Art on Display Day in Bristol village where people set their favorite homemade and favorite artists works on display in their yard for passers by to see.

Art on Display Day in Bristol village where people set their favorite homemade and favorite artists works on display in their yard for passers by to see.

From the Addison Independent: Every evening at 7 p.m. since March 26 up to two-dozen residents have gathered in the Vergennes Union Elementary School parking lot to begin a nightly car parade through downtown, honking their horns and banging pots and pans. They are greeted by residents, who come out on porches or into front yards to play saxophones, bang their own pots and pans, wave flags — do whatever they can to take a break from staying inside all day to flatten the Corona virus curve.

Bringing back the pen and paper! Bristol Front Porch Forum members are encouraging and helping youth and elders connect and beat the isolation blues with postcards.